South Africa's Thrilling Tour of New Zealand 2024 in the ICC World Test Championship
The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as the South Africa cricket team gears up for a riveting tour of New Zealand in February 2024. This highly anticipated tour will feature two Test matches, adding to the drama of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship.
South Africa Tour Of New Zealand Squads Unveiled
Both teams have unveiled their squads, promising a clash of titans on the cricket field. The New Zealand squad, led by the experienced Tim Southee, boasts a formidable lineup including Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and Kyle Jamieson. On the other side, South Africa, under the captaincy of Neil Brand, presents a mix of emerging talent and seasoned players such as David Bedingham and Duanne Olivier.
Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Bold Move
In a surprising move, Cricket South Africa (CSA) decided to field an understrength Test team for this tour. The unconventional decision aimed at allowing key players to participate in the SA20, a lucrative domestic Twenty20 franchise tournament. This move, however, sparked criticism from various quarters, including former Australian captain Steve Waugh, who expressed concerns about the diminishing allure of Test cricket.
Despite the debate surrounding CSA’s decision, the inclusion of Edward Moore to South Africa’s squad on 16 January 2024 has added an interesting dynamic. Moore’s addition injects experience into the South African side, and fans are eager to see how this balances the team dynamics.
South Africa Tour Of New Zealand Kickstarts with a Bang
Before the official Test series, a tour match between South Africa and New Zealand XI is set to take place from 29 to 31 January 2024 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. This encounter promises to be a thrilling precursor to the main event, offering both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies.
South Africa Tour Of New Zealand Test Series Schedule
The much-anticipated Test series unfolds as follows
1. 1st Test: 4–8 February 2024 – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
– Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (Eng) and Ahsan Raza (Pak)
2. 2nd Test: 13–17 February 2024 – Seddon Park, Hamilton
– Umpires: Richard Illingworth (Eng) and Ahsan Raza (Pak)
The picturesque grounds of Bay Oval and Seddon Park are set to witness intense battles between bat and ball as the teams vie for supremacy in the World Test Championship.
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Comilla Victorians arranged a helicopter to ensure the availability of player Muhammad Rizwan for their game at the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023.
Shaheen Shah Afridi reportedly withdrew himself from Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after the conclusion of the home ODI series against New Zealand on Friday.
The left-arm pacer, who was continuing his knee rehabilitation process with the national team during the series, will return to Lahore this week. Shaheen was allowed to remain with the team after the mutual decision taken by the interim selection committee led by Shahid Afridi and management.
According to the sources, Shaheen was looking forward to taking part in two-three BPL matches as part of his recovery process. But now, he will continue his rehabilitation at National High-Performance Center in Lahore to get ready for Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8. Shaheen will lead defending champions Lahore Qalandars.
The 22-year-old cricketer got injured in the final of T20 World Cup 2022. He was taken off the field after sustaining a knee injury while taking a catch off Shadab Khan.
Since then, Shaheen has not taken part in competitive cricket and has remained under strict observation of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s medical team.
It must be noted here that Shaheen is set to tie the knot with Shahid’s daughter Ansha on February 3. After Haris Rauf, who tied the knot last December with his class fellow Muzna Masood Malik, Shaheen’s wedding is going to be another star-studded one within two months’ time.
Both the cricketers, who are also good friends off the field, will represent Qalandars in PSL 8.
The much-anticipated eighth edition of PSL will take place from February 13 to March 19 in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. The final schedule of PSL 8 will be announced in coming days.
